United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Thursday said one group had stripped people of their voting rights and fled the country while another group had remained out of sight for years but is now conspiring again. “ Everyone must remain alert to ensure ballot boxes are protected and empty boxes cannot be shown as full happened in the past, “he said while addressing a rally in Naogaon district town. The rally was part of his election campaign in northern districts. He said his party has no plan to suddenly flee the country by boarding a plane, saying BNP has survived 17 years of repression because it stood with the people. He also called on people to vote for the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. The BNP chairperson said there has been no real improvement in the lives of people over the past 16 years. He said BNP wants to change the fate of rural people and women and ensure public safety so people can walk freely and sleep peacefully at night. Referring to development projects, he said Dhaka has seen development but mega projects have turned into mega corruption. Addressing farmers, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh will prosper if farmers are protected. He said the northern region produces both rice and mangoes but lacks cold storage facilities for mango preservation, adding that steps would be taken to address the issue. He said rail transport would be prioritised to help farmers send their produce to Dhaka at lower cost. He recalled that late President Ziaur Rahman had waived interest on agricultural loans up to Tk 5,000 and said they would increase that waiver to Tk 10,000. He also said agricultural cards would be gradually provided to all farmers to ensure timely supply of seeds and fertilisers, helping them strengthen their economic base and cope with natural disasters. Speaking about women’s welfare, he said family cards would be issued to ensure monthly government support for mothers’ healthcare. He said healthcare services would be expanded in rural areas so common illnesses can be treated locally. Addressing educated unemployed youths, Tarique Rahman said not everyone has to become a doctor or engineer and many can become professional athletes. He said students should be trained in sports from school level so they can earn and bring honour to the country abroad. He said many educated youths live in agricultural and industrial regions, and employment opportunities would increase through skill development training. He added that the IT sector would be prioritised and discussions have already been held with foreign companies interested in investing in Bangladesh. Protect your votes, conspiracies still on: Tarique to voters The rally was chaired by Naogaon district BNP President Abu Bakkar Siddique Nannu. Central BNP leaders, district leaders and leaders of associate organisations also addressed the gathering. Candidates from all Naogaon and Joypurhat constituencies were present and spoke at the rally.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will kick off a three-day election campaign in the northern region starting on Thursday, aiming to rally support ahead of the polls. Tarique will leave for Rajshahi at noon by air to formally launch the tour. Tarique is scheduled to address an election rally at Rajshahi Madrasah Ground at 2pm. Later, Sayrul said, he will speak at two more rallies — at Atim Field in Naogaon at 5:30pm and at Alatunnesa Sports Ground at 7:30pm. According to the party, Tarique’s three-day programme includes visiting the grave of Shaheed Abu Sayeed at Pirganj in Rangpur at 3:45pm on January 30 before addressing a rally at the Rangpur Eidgah Field at 4:30pm. On January 31, the BNP chairman will speak at BSCIC Industrial Park at 2pm and at a roadside rally in the Darun Charjana Bypass area on the Dhaka–Tangail highway at 4pm. During the tour, the BNP chief will stay overnight for two days at Hotel Naz Garden in Bogura. Tarique began his election campaign on January 22 from Sylhet. He later campaigned in Chattogram on 25 January and in Mymensingh on January 27. So far, he has addressed 16 election rallies across various regions. Large crowds attended most venues, with some meetings delayed by three to five hours as supporters waited late into the night for his arrival.

Rail communication between Dhaka and the northern districts has remained suspended since early Monday after three bogies of the Panchagarh Express derailed near Bhangura Railway Station in Pabna. No casualties were reported, but over 1,000 passengers got panicked, with many jumping off the train. The Panchagarh-bound train left Dhaka at 11:30pm on Sunday. Derailment halts train movement on Rangpur-Lalmonirhat-Bogura route Around 4am, its locomotive, luggage and a passenger bogie derailed, said Hasina Khatun, a transport official at Pakshi Railway. Railway authorities are yet to begin recovery of the bogies several hours after the accident, leaving passengers stranded. Bhangura police rushed to the scene and ensured safety, said officer-in-charge Shafiqul Islam.

Although there is no possibility of rain for now but cold wave is likely to return to northern part of the country, said Met office on Saturday. “By today rainfall will stop in most parts of the country except in Sylhet,Rangpur and Chattogram divisions where it may continue till evening,”  Md Shahinul Islam, Meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorology Department told UNB. Cold wave may return to northern part of the country while temperature across the country is likely to fall at night and rise at daytime, he said. READ: People shiver as cold wave persists in Bangladesh Meanwhile, the maximum rainfall in the country in 24 hours till 6am was recorded in Khulna at 69 millimeters. The lowest temperature was recorded in Tetulia upazila at 11.1 degree Celsius and highest was in Rangamati at 30 degree Celsius according to BMD weather report. “ Light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Rangpur, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions, “ said BMD in its forecast for next 24 hours commencing  9am on Saturday. READ: Cold wave grips Bangladesh  Weather may remain mainly dry with partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country, it said. Moderate to thick fog may occur over north-western part and the river basins of the country and light to moderate fog may occur at places elsewhere over the country during mid-night to morning, said the forecast. Night temperature may fall by (2-4)°C and day temperature may rise by (1-2)°C over the country.

A mild cold wave is sweeping over the districts of Panchagarh, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Pabna, Naogaon and Chuadanga districts, according to Met office. This situation may continue in these areas on Wednesday as per the weather bulletin. Besides, moderate to thick fog may occur at places over the country during midnight to morning and it may continue till noon at places over northwestern part of the country. Read:Mild cold wave to continue in Northern region, Jashore, Kushtia According to the Met office, weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country. Meanwhile, night and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. On Tuesday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 9.2 degrees Celsius in Tetulia of Rangpur division while the maximum was 28.8 degrees Celsius in Teknaf of Chattogram division, according to the bulletin.

Shivering cold has hit the country’s northern districts, disrupting normal life of people.

State-owned Northern Electricity Company Ltd (Nesco) signed a contract with JVC of Shenzhen Star Instrument Co. Ltd &Oculin Tech BD Ltd for installation of 5 lakh  smart pre-paid electricity meters in the northern  region of the country.

The shivering cold weather now sweeping the country, especially in northern districts, has affected Boro seedbeds in many places of Rangpur region, triggering a fear of a seedling crisis in the current season.